Heritage-Slater Americana to Offer A Treasure-Trove of Important Political Memorabilia and Americana!

DALLAS, TEXAS: Heritage-Slater Americana (HSA) will present an auction of rare and desirable Political Memorabilia and Americana June 22 and 23, 2005 in their Dallas, Texas headquarters.

"This is a monumental event," said Tom Slater, Director of HSA, "with something to fit every taste and every budget. This is almost a mini-survey of American history, with artifacts from some of our country's most important political campaigns as well as many of the nation's most influential social and cultural movements."

"For political memorabilia collectors, we have material that's going to absolutely knock your socks off," Slater said, "including what are, without question, the two finest campaign banners we have ever handled. These exceptional pieces, one a huge 1844 Henry Clay banner, depicting raccoons, the popular Whig symbol that year, and the other a unique 1864 'Lincoln & Johnson' campaign banner picturing a bearded Lincoln, come from the Hershey collection. When the Hershey's moved to Erie, Pennsylvania from Lancaster by covered wagon in 1816, their large farm quickly became a hotbed of Whig political activity, and, in the mid 19th century, many political speeches and rallies were held there. These banners were saved from two such events, by a family that had the foresight to recognize their importance. Carefully preserved, they are in spectacular condition. This is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire these extraordinary items."

"Speaking of campaign items," Slater continued, "we're also offering more treasures from the Joe Brown Collection of pre-1896 political items, including a full set of the coveted ribbons promoting all four 1860 Presidential candidates, with photos by Matthew Brady. Additionally, collectors will vie for selections from the famed Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection of President-owned relics, including the actual sheets upon which FDR lay in death at Warm Springs."

"I've always been fascinated by political pinbacks," said Slater, "and this auction is outstanding in that regard. We're proud to present an exceptional selection of political pin backs, probably the best we have ever offered in a single sale! Featured in this collection are a number of Hake book plate specimens for some of the best items pictured in that volume, some of the best Teddy Roosevelt buttons, including the ex-Mastro Collection example of 'TR at the Gate,', and a unique 1 1/4" Harding-Coolidge jugate, one of the best jugate buttons we have ever offered."

"Civil War enthusiasts will certainly have a plethora of material to consider," said Slater, "including the finest recruiting poster we have ever handled, and an awesome full-plate tintype of two African-American brothers in their Union uniforms. Without a doubt, however, the star of the Civil War show is the painted-from-life portrait of General Ulysses S. Grant by Ole Peder Hansen Balling. This stunning portrait, which has been in private hands until being consigned to this auction, has never before been offered for public sale, and is thought to be the only from-life portrait of Grant done during the Civil War."

"Americana collectors will be pleased by our expansive list of offerings," Slater opined. "One of the most intriguing collections consists of vintage H. J. Heinz collectibles, with a special focus on glass and crockery containers, all with their original labels. Also on offer is a very special collection of important, personally owned and autograph items from the near-mythic billionaire industrialist and mysterious recluse, Howard Hughes, whose life was recently showcased in the Academy Award-winning film, 'The Aviator,' including his legendary hat, a collection of telegrams exchanged between Hughes and actress Katherine Hepburn, and a stunning 14-carat emerald and diamond ring, which he presented to his wife of the time, actress Terry Moore. In addition, we have an incredible twenty foot long hand-carved Barnum and Bailey Circus train which must absolutely be seen to be believed."

"This is going to be an exciting event," Slater concluded, "and one that no serious collector will want to miss. I'd invite everyone to browse our listings and place their bids early, as this auction is sure to inspire some spirited competition for these spectacular lots."

To purchase a catalog for any Heritage Sale, please contact Nicole Jewell at Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX., 75219 or visit HeritageGalleries.com to order by credit card.

For more information about Heritage-Slater Americana auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HeritageAmericana.com.

Potential consignors are invited to contact Tom Slater, TomS@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 441 or contact John Hickey at JohnH@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 264.